Succession | Seral Stages

Migration

This refers to the process of seeds and spores and propogules of all kinds reaching the site. Obviously it has to occur before any successional sequence can begin. Seeds might be wind blown, water born or transported to the site by animals. Animals might walk or be carried by other animals (e.g. perch eggs are known to be transported to fish-free ponds on bird's feet).

The starting conditions of primary successions tend to be unfavourable (e.g. bare rock) so everything that finds its way to the site might not survive until later stages of community development.

Migration will occur throughout all subsequent stages.